Friday 21 February 2025
MEDIA RELEASE
Melinda Akehurst wins NSW/ACT RV Manager of the Year
Newly crowned NSW/ACT Retirement Village Manager of the Year, Melinda Akehurst, is cool under pressure and has a knack for solving unique resident problems through innovative thinking – even if it means stepping into the kitchen to cover for a sick chef.
When residents at Aveo’s Bayview Gardens Retirement Living – in the heart of Sydney’s Northern Beaches – needed help with transportation, Ms Akehurst picked up a bargain deal on a bus for weekly outings.
And when major upgrades to the village were taking place, a golf buggy arrived – once again courtesy of Ms Akehurst – for residents to be ferried around the works.
As the residents say: “Innovation seems to be front of mind for Mel”.
“She works with her staff willingly and cheerfully, whether it be serving food at one of the special village dinners or lunches, decorating the dining room when a special themed dinner is coming up, or cooking when the chef suddenly becomes ill,” residents Liz Goodman and Margaret Young said in their award submission.
“(She is a) manager who is approachable and has a ready smile. Her door is always open, especially for residents seeking advice.”
Ms Akehurst, who had a 20-year career in the telecommunications industry before moving to Aveo, manages the care of 312 residents at Bayview Gardens, the oldest being 102 and the youngest 56.
After taking out the honour at the Property Council-Retirement Living Council (RLC) event at The Establishment in Sydney yesterday, Ms Akehurst thanked her biggest supporters – her residents.
“I’m in a bit of shock actually because no one ever expects to win,” she said.
“It’s an honour to be given this award – we all do our best every day… to know you’re doing a good job is always a good thing.”
RLC Executive Director, Daniel Gannon, congratulated Ms Akehurst on her win.
“Innovation isn’t a skill – it’s a mindset and it’s no wonder Bayview Gardens residents feel so comfortable approaching Ms Akehurst on any issue,” Mr Gannon said.
“Ms Akehurst has won the hearts of residents at Bayview Gardens, and she should be very proud of this award and the positive impact she has on the community she cares for, day in, day out.”
Ms Akehurst – like all winners of regional awards over the coming months – will now go into the running to be crowned Australia’s Salesperson of the Year at the RLC’s National Retirement Living Summit in Brisbane in June.
ENDS
Media contact: Ben Harvy | 0430 306 424 | [email protected]